Question: In Bhagavad Gita Sri. Krishna tells to Arjuna to fight but again he says that one should follow non-violence (16 chapter). I couldn’t understand the purpose of his saying so.
Answer: The statement has to be understood with reference to the context, otherwise there will be contradictions. Please let me know the Slokas Gita where you find it so that we can give specific answers.
However in general, I would like to mention that as all of us know Mahatma Gandhiji fought against the Britishers with the weapon of the non-violence. A person saying that he professes non-violence refuses to fight the enemy after going to a battle field; is it justified?
Question: I need to practice meditation and Yoga. But as said in many books if it were practiced with guidance of a guru, it is most effective. But in today’s world where to find Guru. If the Math is organizing the same, for distant people it is not helpful. Are there any books (except MEDITATION AND PRACTICES BY SWAMI ADISHWARANAD and GURUVINDA)
Answer: The books that you are reading are ok. Please also read books by Swami Vivekananda and Meditation and Spiritual Life by Swami Yatiswarananda.
Whenever you find time please come and visit us.
Question: Can I know the minimum age for becoming a monk. 2 years back when I had no faith in my self. I had tried for suicide due to certain reasons. But after I read Bhagavad Gita and teachings of Swami Vivekananda I am able to live normally. My parents want me to complete my graduation and then do what ever I want, like becoming a monk. So I have decided (not sure) to take up medical, because through that we can understand our brain and body. By understanding functions of our senses and organs we can be more self-controlled. I am following Bhakti Yoga. But I have not been able to meditate successfully though I am trying every week.
Answer: The minimum age to join our order is 18 years. It is advisable to complete your graduation first. By that time you will have better maturity.
In the meanwhile keep reading books of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. You can also keep in touch with any of our centers which is near to you. The list of centers and their addresses are available on the web.
Question: I feel intense dispassion now. I don’t like family, friends and relatives. I don’t even like my mother any more. It is not hate. I have wasted my precious time and I feel it all karmaphala. Is this spirituality? I don’t know how to love God? How do you deal with such situations? Just meditate or what?
Answer: The ups and downs in the life are natural. This can of course cause depression. Cultivate positive thoughts – give up negative thoughts. The whole thing depends upon our attitude towards life. Read good books and pray to God.
Question: I am influenced by Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna Literatures from my younger age. When I am in Bangalore in the year 2000 I have taken Pledge in front of Ramakrishna idol in Vivekananda Ashrama that I will join in the service of Ramakrishna order once I complete my Graduation. But I failed to fulfill it.
I have great desire to know who am I but I am not believe in God. And I dislike discussing about the God and disliking the persons who will try to Convenes me there is a God. First I want to know who I am without knowing myself why should I agree there is god who is visible.
I am feeling so guilty whenever I visited Ramakrishna temple. In my house they are looking marriage alliance for me. But I am not perfect and pure in mentality. I too have all weakness as a normal man has. Please advise me what to do. Please let me know what Vivekananda accepts from me as youth of India. I am ready to give up every thing.
Answer: We are glad to know that you are influenced by Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna literature from your young age. Please do not stop reading books on and by Swami Vivekananda. Those books will help you to clarify your doubts. We request you to read Jnana Yoga by Swami Vivekananda. When starting analyzing and negating the body – you can surely know who you are and what Vivekananda expects of you?
Question: I am doing daily meditation. Daily I see the Mata sit a place on a rock. She gives blessings to me. I don’t no is it true? And I am also seeing in visions wonderful colors. Please give details of meditation.
Answer: Your visions may be true. It may help you to meditate.
For details of meditation please read the book Meditation and Spiritual Life written by Swami Yatiswaranandaji Maharaj.
Question: Sir,Thank you for your reply. I have a few more doubts which I hope you will be able to clear.
1. Why do monks or fakirs keep turbans? Is it a symbol of anything?
2. In olden days monks used to beg alms from house to house, what is the reason for this?
3. Sri Ramakrishna considered a monk who begs for his alms as the purest. Do the present monks of the Ramakrishna order beg for alms?
Answer: There is no such rule as to Monks and Fakirs to keep turbans. It symbolizes nothing. Depending upon the climatic conditions and the likings of the individuals they may wear a turban or a cap or any suitable headgear.
This is known as Madhukara-Vriiti. This is with a view to see that no individual house holder is burdened in the maintenance of a Sadhu.
Ramakrishna Order monks beg for alms for three days after being ordained into the Sannyas. This is a part of the ceremony. However they will also beg for alms when they stay in some parts of the Himalayas or during their wandering days. Since the Ramakrishna Order takes care of the basic necessities of the Monks staying in their Ashramas and also the present day social set up particularly in the cities is not conducible, they do not go for begging
Question: I am a devotee of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa since I was 15 years old. I have a small doubt
1. What is the difference between Yogi and Muni
2. What is the difference between Guru and Jagatguru
Answer: Yogi and Muni are more or less the synonyms. Yogi means a person who is striving for the realization of the Paramatman following the
path of Yoga that is union between Jivatman and Paramatman. Muni is a person who is known as Manana-sheela – a person who is contemplating on the higher reality with a view to realize his identity with the supreme Self.
Guru is a spiritual teacher who helps the disciple to lead a higher life. The Jagatguru is one who is a highly evolved soul who can raise the consciousness of the whole world and put the society on a higher track.
Question: I have a question. While I am meditating, I saw the light is being taken out from my heart.
I had similar dreams that someone is cutting my head and light is being poured out from my head instead of blood. I also dreamed twice that, I am flying up and up through rocks. I have no control over it. In the end there is light all over. First time I dreamed of it. There was someone scary standing with red suit in the light. I felt so scared. I started to pray the God and then I woke up. Second time I was praying through out the dream. I didn’t see the red suit person. Then I woke up. I don’t understand all these meanings. I was hoping may be you could help me sir?
P.S.: I don’t meditate regularly. Whenever I feel like it, I do it.
Answer: Don’t meditate between eyebrows. Meditate in the heart. It is better to consult some experts in person.
Question: I was wondering if God created everything, then God must have created all the negative things in life. For example laziness, depression hunger, sadness. Therefore why do we have to work hard to get rid of these negative things?
Answer: If you want to remain at animal level or go down to animal level you need not struggle to get rid of negative thoughts and actions. If you want to become human or divine then only you have to work hard and become a civilized woman or manifest the divinity with in you. It is left to you at what level you want to remain and raise to what height.
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